Toronto Zoo
The full agenda, as filed
All 14 items in the clerk’s order. Each carries the city’s own words: the staff recommendation, what the body decided, and its status. Nothing below is written by us.
ZB22.1received
A PowerPoint presentation will be given by Adam Huston, Director, Guest Experience, Toronto Zoo.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo received the item for information.
ZB22.2received
Toronto Zoo Operational Update
A verbal update on Toronto Zoo Operations will be provided by Dolf DeJong, Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Zoo.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo received the item for information.
ZB22.3adopted
2025 Conservation Impact Report
This report provides an annual summary of the Toronto Zoo's Conservation Science research, community engagement, partnerships, publications, national and international outreach and conservation programs.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Received and reviewed the 2025 Conservation Impact Report for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Science Officer, Toronto Zoo, recommends that the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Receive and review the 2025 Conservation Impact Report for information.
ZB22.4adopted
Endangered Species Reserve Fund - 2026 Budget
The Endangered Species Reserve Fund (ESRF) supports conservation, research, and education initiatives that contribute to the protection and recovery of endangered and threatened species in Canada and globally. The proposed 2026 Endangered Species Reserve Fund Budget is attached for the Board's review and information.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Received the report (May 29, 2026) from the Chief Science Officer, Toronto Zoo for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Science Officer, Toronto Zoo, recommends that the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Receive this report for information.
ZB22.5adopted
Attendance and Revenue Report - May 2026
This report will update the Board of Management on the visitor statistics and revenue results for the period 2026-01-01 through 2026-05-31. This report includes a dashboard highlighting some of the key metrics for 2026.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Received the report (June 4, 2026) from the Chief Transformation Officer, Toronto Zoo for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Transformation Officer, Toronto Zoo, recommends that the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Receive this report for information.
ZB22.6amended
A vacancy in the office of Vice-Chair occurred when Dr. Cynthia Holmes' term of office on the Board came to an end effective April 23, 2026. In accordance with Section B.9. of the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo Procedural By-law, the Board shall elect a Vice-Chair at its first meeting following a vacancy occurring in the office. The term of office shall be two years unless the Board otherwise specifies. All members are eligible for election.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Elected Matthew Lombardi as Vice-Chair of the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo for a term of office starting June 22, 2026 and ending June 21, 2028 and until a successor is appointed.
ZB22.7amended
Policy and Finance Committee Appointments
This report is requesting the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo to appoint two Board members to the Toronto Zoo Policy and Finance Committee.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Appointed the following members to the Policy and Finance Committee: a. Camilo Garay b. Fernando Valencia
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Transformation Officer, Toronto Zoo, recommends that the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Appoint two new members to the Policy and Finance Committee.
ZB22.8amended
Appointment of Representative to the Canadian National Exhibition Association Membership
This letter provides information about appointment and membership to the Canadian National Exhibition Association.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Appointed Sarah Bertollo as the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo's representative to the Canadian National Exhibition Association for the remainder of 2025-2026 term, and until a successor is appointed.
ZB22.9adopted
2025 Draft Financial Statements and Audit Results Report
This report submits the 2025 Draft Financial Statements and Audit Results Report of the Board for approval. The Policy and Finance Committee reviewed the financial statements and audit results report on May 1, 2026 and recommended them for approval by the Board.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Approved the Draft Financial Statement for the year ended December 31, 2025 as set out in Attachment 1 to the report (May 20, 2026) from the Chief Transformation Officer, Toronto Zoo. 2. Received for information the 2025 Audit Results Report as set out in Attachment 2 to the report (May 20, 2026) from the Chief Transformation Officer, Toronto Zoo and 2025 Management Representation Letter as set out in Attachment 3 to the report (May 20, 2026) from the Chief Transformation Officer, Toronto Zoo. 3. Recommends that City Council receive for information the Toronto Zoo 2025 Draft Financial Statements and Audit Results Report.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Transformation Officer, Toronto Zoo, recommends that the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Approve the Draft Financial Statement for the year ended December 31, 2025 as set out in Attachment 1. 2. Receive for information the 2025 Audit Results Report as set out in Attachment 2 and 2025 Management Representation Letter as set out in Attachment 3. 3. Recommend that City Council receive for information the Toronto Zoo 2025 Draft Financial Statements and Audit Results Report.
ZB22.10adopted
Construction of Concrete Walkway and Steps at Savanna Herd Barn Project - Additional Scope
This report recommends amending the Construction Agreement for Request for Quotations (RFQ) 43 - Construction of Concrete Walkway and Steps at Savanna Herd Barn Project in order to complete additional work.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Authorized the Director, Capital Program and Sustainability or her designate, to amend the Construction Agreement for Construction of Concrete Walkway and Stairs at Savanna Herd Barn Project RFQ 43 - up to the amount of $327,295.20 from $249,774.57 excluding applicable taxes, on terms and conditions acceptable to the Director, Capital Program and Sustainability, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Director, Capital Program and Sustainability, Toronto Zoo, recommends that the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Authorize the Director, Capital Program and Sustainability or her designate, to amend the Construction Agreement for Construction of Concrete Walkway and Stairs at Savanna Herd Barn Project RFQ 43 - up to the amount of $327,295.20 from $249,774.57 excluding applicable taxes, on terms and conditions acceptable to the Director, Capital Program and Sustainability, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.
ZB22.11adopted
Net Zero Transition Project - Scope A RFP Award
This report recommends the award of RFP-01 - Net Zero Transition Project Scope A to Ecosystem Energy Services Inc. in the amount of $45,037,625 excluding applicable taxes. The Net Zero Transition Project supports the Toronto Zoo's TZNet0 Environmental Sustainability Plan and the City of Toronto's TransformTO objectives through the phased implementation of decarbonization, electrification, renewable energy, water conservation, infrastructure renewal, and waste diversion initiatives across the Zoo campus.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Expressed its support for the Net Zero Transition Project, as further described in the Net Zero Transition Project Board Report. 2. Authorized the Chief Executive Officer or designate to negotiate and execute an agreement to retain Ecosystem Energy Services Inc. to perform Scope A of RFP 26AC01 - Net Zero Transition Project as further described in the Net Zero Transition Project Board Report in the amount of $45,037,625 excluding HST, on terms and conditions acceptable to the Chief Executive officer or designate and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 3. Authorized the Chief Executive Officer or designate to negotiate and execute any other agreements necessary to implement the Net Zero Transition Project as further described in the Net Zero Transition Project Board Report.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Director, Capital Programs and Sustainability, Toronto Zoo, recommend that the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Express its support for the Net Zero Transition Project, as further described in the Net Zero Transition Project Board Report. 2. Authorize the Chief Executive Officer or designate to negotiate and execute an agreement to retain Ecosystem Energy Services Inc. to perform Scope A of RFP 26AC01 - Net Zero Transition Project as further described in the Net Zero Transition Project Board Report in the amount of $45,037,625 excluding HST, on terms and conditions acceptable to the Chief Executive officer or designate and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 3. Authorize the Chief Executive Officer or designate to negotiate and execute any other agreements necessary to implement the Net Zero Transition Project as further described in the Net Zero Transition Project Board Report.
ZB22.12adopted
Food Services Management Agreement
This report seeks authorization from the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo to negotiate an extension to the agreement with the Toronto Zoo's current vendor for the provision of food services.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Authorized the Chief Transformation Officer, or his designate to negotiate and execute an extension to the existing food services management agreement consistent with the recommended terms contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (June 8, 2026) from the Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Zoo and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 2. Directed the Chief Transformation Officer to incorporate any budgetary changes required upon the adoption of Recommendation 1 above as part of the 2027 budget process. 3. Directed that the confidential information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (June 8, 2026) from the Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Zoo remain confidential in its entirety, as it contains information about an ongoing negotiation that affects the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Zoo, recommends that the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Authorize the Chief Transformation Officer, or his designate to negotiate and execute an extension to the existing food services management agreement consistent with the recommended terms contained in Confidential Attachment 1 and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 2. Direct the Chief Transformation Officer to incorporate any budgetary changes required upon the adoption of Recommendation 1 as part of the 2027 budget process. 3. Direct that the confidential information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 remain confidential in its entirety, as it contains information about an ongoing negotiation that affects the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo.
ZB22.13amended
Potential Development Opportunity
This report seeks authorization from the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo to collaborate with the City of Toronto and a community partner for the purposes of pursuing a potential development opportunity at the Toronto Zoo.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Approved the confidential instructions to staff in Confidential Attachment 1, as amended in closed session, to the report (June 4, 2026) from the Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Zoo. 2. Directed Zoo staff to report back to the Board in the first quarter of 2027 on the status of discussions prior to the execution of any agreement(s) related to the development opportunity described in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (June 4, 2026) from the Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Zoo. 3. Directed that the confidential information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (June 4, 2026) from the Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Zoo remain confidential in its entirety, as it contains information about an ongoing negotiation that affects the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Zoo, recommends that the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Endorse in principle the repurposing of the southeast portion of Parking Lot 1 for a potential development opportunity as described in Confidential Attachment 1, subject to completion of relevant planning reviews, impact studies, and engagement with the City of Toronto as outlined in Recommendation 2. 2. Direct Toronto Zoo staff to work through City of Toronto Corporate Real Estate Management, and in collaboration with CreateTO, and other relevant parties, to advance discussions and negotiations with a community partner on a potential development opportunity as described in Confidential Attachment 1. 3. Direct Zoo staff to report back to the Board on the status of discussions prior to the execution of any agreement(s) related to the development opportunity described in Confidential Attachment 1. 4. Approve the recommendation contained in Confidential Attachment 1. 5. Direct that the confidential information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 remain confidential in its entirety, as it contains information about an ongoing negotiation that affects the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo.
ZB22.14adopted
2026 Exempt Staff Compensation
This report recommends a merit and cost-of-living adjustment for Toronto Zoo exempt staff in 2026.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Approved the recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (June 4, 2026) from the Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Zoo. 2. Directed that the information in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (June 4, 2026) from the Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Zoo remain confidential in its entirety as it contains information about labour relations/employee negotiations.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Zoo, recommends that the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Approve the recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1. 2. Direct that the information in Confidential Attachment 1 remain confidential in its entirety as it contains information about labour relations/employee negotiations.